fall and winter in the salem area Ron Cooper Willamette Heritage Center’s Magic at the Mill FALL Every autumn, Salem’s colorful foliage puts on a spectacular show, and you can soak it all up on a ride through the Catamount bike trails in Silver Falls State Park, or take a hike there, where maple trees glow yellow and orange beside waterfalls and canyons. Stroll the riverbank paths at Willamette Mission State Park to see vibrant leaves mirrored in the water. Harvest time also brings nonstop celebrations across the Willamette Valley. Take the kids pumpkin picking and on hayrides at E.Z. Orchards HarvestFest in Salem. Or raise a stein at the annual Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, a familyfriendly celebration with Bavarian food, music and beer. Discover small-town charm at Silver Falls Brewery, a gathering place for family, friends and beer lovers in Silverton. In Dallas, Forest Pass Brewing is known for small-batch beers using locally sourced Northwest ingredients. Immerse the family in creativity at the Salem Art Fair, featuring nearly 200 artists and musicians. Feeling brave? Join the Independence Ghost Walk, a tour of the town’s spookiest establishments. Or try axe throwing at Salem’s family-owned Oregon Axe, where expert coaches will guide you to hit the bull’s-eye. WINTER Usher in the magic of the holidays with twinkling lights, live performances and kids’ activities at the Willamette Heritage Center’s Magic at the Mill. Keep the festive vibes going with a family outing to the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the historic Elsinore Theatre. Music lovers can tap their toes to the Salem Symphonic Winds’ annual Salem Tuba Holiday. For more sparkle and cheer, visit the Silverton Christmas Market, where you can shop for artisan gifts, wander paths draped in over 1.5 million lights, and soar down a snowless tubing hill. Stroll through downtown Aurora, Oregon’s first National Historic District, for small-town charm. Known as the antiques capital of Oregon, many of the shops are housed in beautifully preserved 1800s buildings and decorated for the season. Stop by the Old Aurora Colony Museum for a deeper look into the area’s history. Savor the slower pace of post-holiday wine country during Willamette Valley Wine Cellar Season, when many wineries offer cellar tours, barrel tastings and cozy fireside experiences. In Turner, Willamette Valley Vineyards features culinary pairings at the chef’s counter, and Cória Estates offers Mexican-inspired bites alongside wine tastings. 9 TravelSalem.com
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